AFRICAN, AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

Our History

The African, African American Historical Society and Museum (AAAHSM) is a wonderful institution established in Fort Wayne and opened in 2000 to preserve the history of African American culture. The Museum also interprets African diaspora as depicted through authentic sculptures, masks, musical instruments, and tools. The founders of the Society and Museum also realized the importance of collecting the African American stories of the Black community, telling the narrative of a proud people who gathered on the shores of this river city to form a close-knit community.

Our Stories

The African, African American Historical Society and Museum opened February 2000.

The first phase of the Museum consisted of the Coming to America exhibition, a depiction of the transportation of slaves from Africa through the Middle Passage to the Americas. Additional exhibits are Black Inventor’s Gallery, William E. Warfield, a 19th century entrepreneur, real estate investor, musician, newspaper publisher and musician. The other narratives told in the museum are local history, sports legends such as Rod Woodson and Johnny Bright and civil rights in context of the local story.

At the African/African American Historical Society, our mission is to simplify and make accessible the rich and diverse history of our local community. One significant aspect of our work is preserving and recounting local family histories. Today, we would like to shed light on the remarkable contributions of Arthur Williams and Laura Jackson, two trailblazers in the field of law enforcement.

Arthur Williams, a pioneering figure in our community, broke barriers as the first African American police officer. From 1917 to 1940, he boldly served as a paddy wagon driver, exemplifying courage and resilience. Arthur's devotion to his duty helped pave the way for others who followed in his footsteps.

Another individual who deserves recognition for her groundbreaking achievements is Laura Jackson. In 1928, Laura made history by becoming the first Black female police officer in our area. For three years, until 1931, she patrolled the vibrant streets of Hanna Street and the Breckenridge to Lafayette Street area. Laura's dedication to public service and her commitment to creating a safer community left an indelible mark on our history.

At the African/African American Historical Society, we take pride in preserving and sharing these important stories. By recounting the accomplishments of individuals like Arthur Williams and Laura Jackson, we aim to inspire future generations and instill a sense of pride in our community's rich heritage.

In the medical field, Dr. Theodore Roosevelt Borders, a Howard University graduate, was an early African American physician who opened a medical office at 1147 S. Lafayette St. which was in operation from 1930-1960. From 1948-1996, Dr. Roland B. Wilson was another physician on staff at three different city hospitals. More recently, Dr. Alfred Stovall, a Howard Medical School graduate, along with Dr. Jeff Towles, a University of Louisville Medical School Graduate, in 1993 opened a full-service medical facility on Lafayette and Pontiac Streets. Other early African American medical practitioners were Dr. Roland B. Walter, Dr. James Graham, and Nancy Lester R.N.

Black business owners, such as Dr. Stovall’s mother, Arrie Stovall, a graduate of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty College of Birmingham, Alabama. She and her husband, Franz, moved to the city in 1943 where she opened a beauty shop on South Lafayette; in 1948, she opened a shop on East Lewis Street and in 1952 the Stovall House of Beauty.

Carl and Mamie Wilson came to Fort Wayne in 1917 and were owner operators of several small businesses, a pool hall, an exterminating company and Wilson’s Chicken Shack, a small diner.

In 1925, Ellis Micheaux Sr. opened the first funeral home in service to the African American community, after his passing in 1952; the business was operated by his wife, Mrs. Josie (Bryant) Micheaux until closing in 2002.

Our Goal

Preserving local history.

Please consider “What is your specific history?” Where is the story of your family and what legacy are you leaving for future generations? After all our current family members have passed on, what history are we leaving for the next generation?” How will they know the rich legacy of history? What family stories have preceded them? If you do not

have an answer to that question, is time to start! Find and preserve your family history, also consider how your family story fits into the broader narrative of the local community.

The history of your family and the local African American community is too vital to let it die and become lost.

The AAAHSM has and is recording individual narratives by preserving information in a collection of African American obituaries, which can be seen on the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center database, The Hanna L. Stith Collection of Obituaries and Memorials.

https://genealogycenter.info/aaahsm/

Look for your family’s history or contact AAAHSM to add your family history.